If you need to or want to, you can switch on the 8000 just like you used to do on a 3000, and then ramp up to use more of the 8000 features as your skill level & comfort level increase, so if I were you, I wouldn't worry too much about trying to focus on advanced concepts before the trainer arrives. On any of the new menu-driven switchers, the key to getting the most out of the switcher is (in my opinion) an understanding of how to map crosspoints, set up the work buffer defaults, and other menu-related functions - if these aren't set up right, you will always be "fighting" the switcher to get it to do what you want. When I do training I like to start in the ENG menu, but a lot of students find that boring & want to move on to the panel as soon as possible. So if your trainer gets into panel ops before the menus, you may be at a disadvantage - learning as much as you can about the ENG menus (and menu ops in general) will give you a jump start before your trainer arrives. By the way, if you happen to be in Stamford, I'll be your trainer on Tuesday.